Communiqué - 30 July 2008
5TH MEETING REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COMMUNIQUE
Australian and State and Territory Government Ministers responsible for regional development and the Australian Local Government Association met today in Broome for the fifth meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC).
Attendance at this meeting in a key regional centre demonstrated the commitment of all jurisdictions to a collaborative approach to regional development in order to promote the growth and development of strong and sustainable regional communities.
The key themes of the meeting included: opportunities for closer cooperation and alignment between all levels of government; opportunities for regions arising from major infrastructure projects; skills and labour shortages in regional Australia; barriers to growth for mining; biofuels; and managing change in regional communities.
The Council agreed that the RDC is an effective forum for collaboration and a whole of government approach for issues affecting regional development and that this be reported to COAG. Members also agreed to invite New Zealand to join the Council to ensure closer collaboration and sharing of regional development policies and programs.
The Council agreed the strategic priorities for going forward would include:
- Infrastructure - including broadband, transport, housing, water and local and community infrastructure;
- Skills shortages and workforce development; and
- Climate change.
The Council agreed that work will continue to align Regional Development Australia with Regional Development organisations, whilst recognising the current consultative process, the views of State, Territory and Local Governments and the work of the House of Representatives inquiry in time for the establishment of RDA on 1 January 2009.
The Members agreed a number of principles which will form the basis for further work or for closer alignment and integration of regional development activities and structures all three levels of government. These principles will be:
- Integrated arrangements;
- Commitment to collaboration;
- Common boundaries;
- Acknowledge the differences;
- Tripartite arrangements;
- Sharing of information;
- Purpose and role of RDA and RDOs;
- Cross membership;
- Joint funding; and
- Co-location.
Ministers noted issues raised in relation to skills and labour shortages and the patterns and impact of these issues on regional communities. The Council agreed to work together to consider regional skill shortages and provide a report to COAG in October 2008.
The Council also agreed that Victoria will lead work to consider how Australian, State and Territory Governments can play a role in leveraging major infrastructure projects for ongoing sustainable regional development.
The Council noted and discussed the impact of a range of issues in regional Australia which impact on the growth of the mining sector, particularly in Northern Australia.
The Council also agreed to the development of a set of national principles for Adjustment Assistance for regional Australia.
Next Meeting
The Council agreed to meet in Bendigo in July 2009 and in South Australia in 2010.